Pakistan marked World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard migratory bird species and their habitats. Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change, highlighted the importance of creating bird-friendly urban spaces, urging government bodies, civil society, and the public to take collective action.
This year’s theme, “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” underscores the need to transform urban environments into safe havens for migratory birds. Pakistan, a key stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, faces increasing threats to bird populations from rapid urbanization, light pollution, and habitat degradation. Shaikh stressed the need for bird-safe practices such as using bird-friendly glass and preserving wetlands, pointing out Pakistan’s international commitments, including its status as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.